Aging in Place: Preparing Your Home—and Finances—for a Safe and Independent Future

For millions of Americans, aging in place is the goal—but it takes more than a grab bar and good luck.

Most people want to grow old in the comfort of their own homes. You might feel the same way. The idea of aging in place—staying independent in a familiar space—is appealing, but not without challenges.

While smart home modifications can make your home safer, the reality is that you may eventually need help with daily living activities. And that help comes at a cost.

If you want to age at home, you’ll need more than just wider doorways and a walk-in shower. You’ll likely need professional long-term care—and a plan to pay for it.

Aging in Place: Why It’s Time to Future-Proof Your Home

The world is changing fast—and so is the way we age. People are living longer, and you, like most people, will prefer to remain in their homes rather than move into long-term care facilities.

This growing trend, known as aging in place, allows you to stay in a familiar setting, close to loved ones and your community. But traditional homes often aren’t built for the realities of aging. Stairs, narrow doorways, and hard-to-access bathrooms can quickly become obstacles.

If you’ve ever struggled with stairs or found it difficult to get in and out of a bathtub, you’re not alone. Imagine how it can become more challenging over time as you get older.

The good news? You can future-proof your home now to make it safer and more comfortable as you age.

Why Future-Proofing Matters

Updating your home for aging in place offers both peace of mind and long-term benefits:

• Improved Quality of Life: Safer, more accessible spaces let you enjoy your home without daily struggles.
• Avoid the Need to Downsize: With the right modifications, you can stay in your home longer and avoid the disruption of moving.
• Boost in Property Value: Accessibility upgrades often appeal to a wider range of buyers and can increase your home’s resale value.

Planning now means you can age on your own terms—in the place you call home.

Why Aging in Place is Gaining Popularity

According to AARP, nearly 90% of adults over age 65 want to remain in their homes as long as possible. Jodi Waterhouse, director of outreach at the Multidisciplinary Center on Aging at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, says to “age in place” means staying in your home as you get older and making plans to live as independently as long as possible in your later years.

Many older adults will successfully age in place depending on health, design of living environment and support services and systems to aid aging in place.

It’s not just about convenience—aging in place offers:

• Continuity of routine and emotional comfort
• Social connection to neighbors, places of worship, and local businesses
• Control over environment, schedule, and preferences

But as you age, homes that once felt safe can become hazardous. Stairs, slippery bathrooms, and narrow doorways can become obstacles to independence.

Aging in place is realistic with the right support. But too many people wait until a crisis before making changes.

Key Home Modifications That Make Aging Easier

Simple changes to your home can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries. These changes don’t just enhance safety—they support independence.

Here are some top modifications:

• Wider Doorways and Hallways: Minimum 32 inches for walkers or wheelchairs
• Lever-Style Door Handles: Easier on arthritic hands than knobs
• Walk-In Showers: Safer than tubs, especially when paired with grab bars
• Non-Slip Flooring: Reduces risk of falls in bathrooms and kitchens
• Stair Lifts or Residential Elevators: Keeps multi-level homes accessible
• Pull-Out Shelves: Improves access to kitchen or pantry items
• Open Floor Layouts: Minimizes tripping hazards and improves mobility

According to the National Institute on Aging, these improvements can reduce emergency room visits due to falls—one of the leading causes of injury in older adults.

Roofing is another critical area when future-proofing your home. A sturdy roof ensures safety during extreme weather and reduces maintenance costs over time.

If your roofing system needs repairs or replacement, look into various programs that offer free or low-cost options for seniors. It's always a good idea to consult with professional contractors to get a detailed estimate of the costs involved in these repairs and modifications.

What it Costs to Modify a Home

Many updates are affordable when done in stages. Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs and potential benefits:

Modification Estimated Costs and Benefits

Some states and local governments offer home repair assistance or aging-in-place grants. Check with your state’s Department on Aging.

Technology Helps Maintain Independence

Today’s smart home tools help older adults remain in control of their space—even if they live alone. Consider:

• Voice-Controlled Lighting and Thermostats
• Medical Alert Systems with fall detection
• Video Doorbells for added security
• Timed Medication Dispensers to reduce missed doses

“Aging in place doesn’t mean living without support. It means creating a system that supports your needs.”

Long-Term Care Insurance Supports Aging in Place

Even with a future-proofed home, many older adults eventually need assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or mobility. That’s when professional home care becomes essential—and costly.

Medicare and regular health insurance don’t cover long-term care. According to the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator, in-home care can cost anywhere from $5,717 per month in Dallas to $7,163 in Portland, ME.

That’s where Long-Term Care Insurance becomes crucial. A quality LTC policy will:

• Pay for professional in-home care, giving you more control
• Help cover home modifications, depending on the policy
• Reduce the burden on family caregivers
• Protect your income and retirement assets

“With my dad's LTC Insurance policy, I was able to get dad a home health aide four times a week,” said Lisa M., a policyholder’s daughter in Springfield, Missouri. “It even paid for the ramp into his house. Without it, we would’ve had to move him into a long-term care facility.”

Steps to Take Now

If you want to age in place successfully, the time to prepare is now. Here’s how to start:

• Walk through your home and identify hazards or future problem areas
• Consult an aging-in-place specialist for a professional assessment
• Get a Long-Term Care Insurance quote while you’re still healthy: Get a quote
• Talk to your family so everyone is on the same page
• Use the LTC News Caregiver Directory to find in-home providers (and facilities) when needed

You don’t have to do everything at once—but don’t do nothing. The longer you wait, the fewer choices you may have.

LTC News, in partnership with Amada Senior Care, offers free help filing Long-Term Care Insurance claims—even for home modifications and in-home care—so your loved one who needs help now can access quality care without the stress - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Your Home. Your Choice. Your Future.

Aging in place is about more than staying put—it’s about staying in control. With a proactive plan, the right support, and a financial strategy that includes Long-Term Care Insurance, you can remain at home longer, safer, and with dignity.

You deserve to live where you feel most comfortable. Make the choices today that your future self will thank you for.